Coronavirus in Japan: Travel Updates

Last updated: Oct 15th 2022

Follow our latest updates on the coronavirus (Covid-19) situation in Japan.

In summary

Since October 11th 2022, Japan has fully reopened its borders to tourists, allowing visa-free, independent travel to Japan once again 🙌

  • A visa is no longer required for short stays (up to 90 days).
  • It's not necessary to book through a travel agency.
  • Daily entry caps have been phased out entirely.

Read more

Table of contents

  1. Travel updates
  2. Staying safe in Japan: Covid FAQ
  3. Travel Advisories
  4. Official resources
     

As borders re-open, we'll no longer be updating this page regularly. Always check official venue websites for their latest updates.

Travel Updates

Borders set to Reopen to Independent Travel

Japan will allow visa-free, independent tourism and abolish daily arrival caps from Oct 11th, announces Prime Minister Kishida. Via Japan Times

Borders open for Tour Groups

Japan's cautious reopening to overseas tourists coincides with strict infection-prevention measures and rules for those hoping to visit Japan. Via Nippon

Temporarily Closed Places in Japan: A-Z Directory

Mazda Museum
Culture

Mazda Museum

The Mazda Museum is currently closed. Tour reservations are also temporarily unavailable. Further updates will be posted to the Mazda Museum official..

Hiroshima
Robot Restaurant
Activities

Robot Restaurant

4.5 (2Reviews)

Temporarily closed until further notice due to coronavirus measures

Tokyo
Toei Animation Museum
Culture

Toei Animation Museum

Closed temporarily until further notice, as part of nationwide anti-coronavirus measures.

Tokyo

Cancelled events

Covid in Japan FAQ

The World Health Organization's advice is as follows:

  • Wash your hands regularly – with soap and warm water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizers (at least 60% alcohol)
  • Maintain social distancing – avoid those who are coughing or sneezing (at least 1m). Some countries are implementing lockdowns and recommending keeping 2m from strangers.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth – potential points of entry for coronavirus particles
  • Practice respiratory hygiene – covering your mouth when you cough, and disposing of tissues promptly followed by washing hands.
  • Wear a mask – wearing a face covering can help prevent the spread of infection. See their dedicated guidance here on face masks.

Summary: The WHO recommends wearing face masks as of June 2020.

If you are travelling in Japan, wearing a face mask in certain contexts (e.g. riding public transport, crowded areas) can be an effective measure as part of a wider strategy against infection/transmission, as per WHO guidelines.

Whether you are already in Japan, preparing for a trip, or are planning ahead, we recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance. This is both to insure against the prospect of unforeseen medical expenses if the need arise, but also against changing travel plans as the situation develops.

Note that it is essential to check your home country travel advice if you plan to travel to Japan. This is to ensure there is no impact on your insurance coverage.

Contact JNTO's Visitor Hotline. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) operate a 24/7 visitor hotline service, available in English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese. It can be called for assistance in case of accidents or emergencies relating to the coronavirus:

  • From Japan 050-3816-2787
  • From Overseas +81-50-3816-2787

If you are feeling unwell, please consult the following:

As of Oct 11th 2022, visitors can now enter Japan visa-free for short-term stays (up to 90 days).

Official Japan travel advisories

Please consult these official advisories from countries overseas to gauge the current advice on travelling overseas at this time.

Country Status
USA Exercise Normal Precautions Updated: Oct 11th 2022
UK No travel restrictions in place for Japan Updated: Oct 22nd 2021
Singapore No travel restrictions in place for Japan Updated: April 26th 2022
Canada No travel restrictions in place for Japan Updated: June 1st 2022
Australia No travel restrictions in place for Japan Updated: Aug 1st 2022
NZ No travel restrictions in place for Japan Updated: Aug 1st 2022

Official resources

JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization)

Official coronavirus updates
@JapanSafeTravel